- KP Assembly speaker hosts event to pay tribute to seven decades of mutual trust and cooperation
- Chinese deputy Head of Mission reiterates China’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s sovereignty and development
PESHAWAR: Pakistan and China marked the 74th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a commemorative ceremony held at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House, Islamabad. The event served as a reaffirmation of the two countries’ long-standing partnership and their shared resolve to explore new avenues of bilateral cooperation.
The ceremony, hosted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati, was attended by Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy Shi Yuanqiang, diplomats, government officials, and representatives of civil society.
Organized by the Pakistan-China Friendship Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, the event paid tribute to over seven decades of mutual trust and cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951.
Addressing the gathering, Speaker Babar Saleem Swati highlighted Pakistan’s early recognition of the People’s Republic of China and described the bilateral ties as a “symbol of trust and continuity.” He referred to the 40-year-old sister city ties between Peshawar and Urumqi and the upcoming 30-year milestone of the Abbottabad-Kashgar partnership. He proposed that Mansehra be designated as a sister city to a Chinese counterpart, given its historical significance along the ancient Silk Road.
Swati emphasized the need for strengthening ties with the Communist Party of China (CPC) and extended an invitation to a CPC delegation to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2026, during the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic relations.
President of the Pakistan-China Friendship Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, Yousaf Ayub Khan, opened the ceremony with the words “Assalam-o-Alaikum and Ni Hao,” symbolizing the cultural warmth between the two nations. Other speakers included Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy, Shi Yuanqiang, Provincial Minister Arshad Ayub Khan, Provincial Minister Syed Qasim Ali Shah, and Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, who all stressed the importance of enhancing mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries.
Looking to the future, the organizers announced a series of celebratory events across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in May 2026 to mark the 75th (Platinum Jubilee) anniversary of diplomatic relations, aiming to further deepen the friendship.
In his remarks, Deputy Head of Mission Shi Yuanqiang appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support on key Chinese issues and reiterated China’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s sovereignty and development. He highlighted the nations’ history of standing together through natural disasters and crises, referring to the friendship as “higher than mountains and deeper than oceans.”
Shi mentioned key China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, the Karakoram Highway upgrade, and the Rashakai Special Economic Zone. He also noted community-focused initiatives such as solar-powered street lights, scholarships, and food aid packages. Emphasizing future prospects, he called for enhanced cooperation in sectors like agriculture, energy, mining, e-commerce, and community development, especially through stronger provincial partnerships between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Xinjiang.
Secretary General of the Pakistan-China Friendship Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, highlighted the pivotal role of various institutions in promoting bilateral ties. He noted that since 1970, the association has served as a bridge between the peoples of both nations through cultural programs, exchange visits, and grassroots engagements.
